Association between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use: A cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND: Burden of disease caused by depression and its association with socioeconomic status is well documented. However, research on over-indebtedness is scarce although millions of European citizens in all socioeconomic positions are over-indebted. Prior studies suggested that over-indebtedness is associated with poor physical and mental health. AIMS: Investigate the association between over-indebtedness and antidepressant use in Germany. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey among debt advice agencies’ clients was conducted in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, in 2017 (OID). Data were merged with the first wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to examine antidepressant use in the previous 7 days (OID: n = 699; DEGS1: n = 7115). RESULTS: Prevalence of antidepressant use was higher in the over-indebted (12.3%) than the general population (5.0%). The over-indebted were significantly more likely to use antidepressants than the general population even after controlling for other socioeconomic, demographic and health factors (adjusted odds ratio 1.83; 95% confidence interval 1.35–2.48). CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders in health care, debt counselling, research and social policy should consider the link between over-indebtedness and mental illness to advance the understanding of health inequalities and to help those who have mental health and debt problems.